An advocacy group has launched a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sensitization workshop in selected secondary schools in Anambra State.
The project is an individual grant from LEAP Africa and the Nigeria Youth Future Fund (NYFF) that aims to conduct sensitization workshops on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
INN reports that the workshop is expected to be carried out in four different secondary schools in Anambra.
A recent investigation conducted by PUNCH Healthwise revealed that GBV cases rose to 6,142 within the first five months of 2024.
Douglas Izuchukwu, the team lead, said, “The four-month project will focus on catching students at a young age and sensitizing them about GBV—a step towards prevention.”
Douglas added that a collaboration was initiated with Ntasi Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Enugwu-Ukwu to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
INN also reports that the project kicked off on June 21, 2024, at Special School for the Deaf Odoakpu in Onitsha with about 25 students. A Sexual Assault Counsellor, Chinenye Ilona from Ntasi SARC guided the participants through the workshop.
When asked how the workshop went, participants expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained and for choosing the school, noting it was their first time learning about GBV.
The students expressed a commitment to sharing the knowledge gained with those not selected to participate. Moreover, they requested more workshops in the future with support from LEAP Africa and NYFF.
The project is expected to continue in three more secondary schools in the state.